from the colony of Natal. 27 



[The late M. Favier, of Tangiers, supplied rae with some 

 specimens of this Owl from that locality, which appear to me 

 identical with the example transmitted from Natal by Mr. Ayres. 

 M. Favier sent me at the same time the following curious note 

 with reference to this species : — " Strix {Phasmoptijnx) capensis 

 is found in the environs of this city both as a resident and also 

 as a bird of double passage, while Strix hrachyotus is found as a 

 bird of double passage only, merely remaining in the neighbour- 

 hood of Tangiers long enough to nest. These two species, of 

 which the uidification is very similar, sometimes pair and pro- 

 duce mules, which present an appearance intermediate between 

 the two species. This is strikingly exemplified in the colour of 

 the iris, which in S. capensis is always of a blackish brown, and 

 in S. brachyotus of a pure yellow ; whilst the hybrid birds show 

 a partially yellow iris, the yellow appearing only half the size of 

 the yellow iris in S. hrachyotus." — J. H. G.] 



148. Melittophagus erythropterus (Gmel.). Little 

 Rufous-winged Bee-eater. 



Female. Iris crimson ; bill black ; tarsi and feet pinkish brown. 



These Bee-eaters are particularly fond of frequenting reedy 

 marshes and swamps, and are to be found here in certain localities 

 all the year round. They are by no means so plentiful as Savigny's 

 Bee-eater, which is only here in the summer months. It is 

 seldom that more than five or six are to be seen together, and 

 generally not more than two. When feeding, their flight is not 

 so prolonged as that of Savigny's, neither is their note so loud 

 and harsh. 



149. Promerops cafer (Linn.). Caffre Sun-bird. 



Male. Iris brown ; bill black; tarsi and feet greenish black. 

 In habits this bird much resembles Nectarinia natalensis, its 

 food also being the same, viz. nectar and small insects, especially 

 spiders. It is very rare in this locality, and is besides more shy 

 than most other species. I believe it is only to be found here 

 during the winter months. 



150. Irrisor erythrorhynchos (Lath.). Red-billed 

 Laugher. 



Male and female. Iris very dark brown ; bill scarlet ; tarsi 



